Modern Slavery Act
Modern slavery is the world's second largest form of organised crime and a growing challenge thanks to a mix of armed conflict, climate change and the global pandemic.
The Modern Slavery Act requires in scope organisations to produce, sign, and make public a slavery and human trafficking statement every year that sets out the steps that were taken the previous year to combat modern slavery in the organisation and also its supply chains.
Addressing modern slavery in practice
Sadly, severe human exploitation is a very real and longstanding issue in many parts of modern society. All organisations must be vigilant to the risks in order to spot warning signs early and manage cases compassionately and within the limitations of the law. In this short video we highlight some of the things to look out for and signpost to helpful resources. If you’d like to discuss your obligations under the Modern Slavery Act, please get in touch.
The legal requirements can apply to organisations based outside the UK aswell as to those in the UK. We can help. We are experienced on:
- advising whether an organisarion is required to publish a slavery and human trafficking statement or not
- the content of a statement
- how to publish a statement
Our experience since the Modern Slavery Act first became law has enabled us to develop a suite of templates, available at a fixed charge, to help clients comply with their legal duties while controlling costs.
We advise a diverse range of organisations in the public and private sectors including some of the world's leading brands.
The global nature of modern supply chains and complex organisational structures can make
complying with the Modern Slavery Act challenging.
Frequently asked questions
A: Modern Slavery is the term used to encapsulate the crimes of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour; and human trafficking (whether the person knew they were trafficked or not).
A: Any organisation wherever located that supplies goods or services in the UK and has a turnover of at least £36 million a year. Turnover includes that of subsidiaries. Wherever they are located.
Modern Slavery and the NHS supply chain
- The organisation's structure, its business and its supply chains
- The organisation's policies and processes to prevent slavery and human trafficking
- Areas where there's a risk of slavery and human trafficking in the organisation and its supply chains
- What the organisation has done to assess and manage that risk
- How effective the organisation's slavery measures have been
- Details of staff training
Guide to the Modern Slavery Act
A: Keep it on your homepage accessible via a prominent link. Interested stakeholders should be able to monitor the progress of the organisaion over time.
Our resources
Leading the conversation on the Modern Slavery Act
"With Baroness Young of Hornsey, a Crossbencher in the House of Lords and campaigner against Modern Slavery; Dr Alexander Trautrims, a Lecturer in Supply Chain and Operations Management at Nottingham University Business School, we explore how businesses should approach their internal work in producing their slavery and human trafficking statements going forward, and the positive impact that working closely with supply chains has on businesses."Watch now
Guide to the Modern Slavery Act
"Our detailed guidance note explains who this applies to, what you need to do and when you need to do it by."Read our guide
Modern Slavery Act compliance
"Our suite of template documents gives you the structure and consultation to develop your own practices and documents."Find out more
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 guide
"Our detailed guidance note explains who Section 54 applies to, what you need to do and when you need to do it by."Read our guide
Our expertise
Key contacts
Raymond Silverstein
Partner
Emma Grant
Knowledge Director
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